My in-Network Hospitals do not have a NICU.

WE have 3 hospitals in town. All different levels. We have a preferred plan with one hospital, but it is the lowest rated of the 3... will not even deliver my twins if they are born before 36 weeks. The only other choice for us is the level 2 hospital...which also does not have a NICU...this will be in Network, but will cost us more out of pocket. What I wanted to know is did anyone else deliver early in a hospital with no NICU ? Will my babies have to go over to the other hospital with the NICU...or is that only if they are bad off? I think it's really dumb that my insurance won't cover the better hospital that is the only one with a anapartum unit and a NICU!!

 

If there is a medical need (i.e. Higher level of Care) for you to be at a hospital that is not in your network, your insurance should cover it. The hospital that I delivered at was not one that was in my network, but since my girls required a level 3 NICU my insurance covered my 4 week stay there on bedrest, and the girls 10 week NICU stay. I would call your insurance company and find out what their policies are.

 

Yup, I'd call your insurance company and find out what their policy is, what kind of documentation you need and try to get it approved ahead of time as a just in case situation.

 

How close is the hospital with the NICU to your in-network hospital? I'm delivering at a hospital without a NICU, but the hospital with the NICU is, fortunately, less than a quarter mile away - basically across a big parking lot from the hospital where I'm delivering. If the babies simply need supplemental oxygen or IV fluids at birth, they'll keep them in my hospital. If they need more intensive care, they'll be moved to the hospital with the NICU. If that happens, I'll be given a day pass to leave my hospital and spend my days in the NICU with the babies. I'll be required to go back to my hospital at night.


QUOTE(fromthecabbagepatch @ Apr 21 2009, 11:12 PM) [snapback]1283383[/snapback]
WE have 3 hospitals in town. All different levels. We have a preferred plan with one hospital, but it is the lowest rated of the 3... will not even deliver my twins if they are born before 36 weeks. The only other choice for us is the level 2 hospital...which also does not have a NICU...this will be in Network, but will cost us more out of pocket. What I wanted to know is did anyone else deliver early in a hospital with no NICU ? Will my babies have to go over to the other hospital with the NICU...or is that only if they are bad off? I think it's really dumb that my insurance won't cover the better hospital that is the only one with a anapartum unit and a NICU!!

 

QUOTE(becasquared @ Apr 22 2009, 02:51 AM) [snapback]1283440[/snapback]
Yup, I'd call your insurance company and find out what their policy is, what kind of documentation you need and try to get it approved ahead of time as a just in case situation.


I totally agree. And get it in writing or get names. You don't want to be having to argue w/ them afterwards.

Are there any hospitals that have a NICU that are a little further away? Our local hosp. is 10 min away, but I drive 1 hr to go to a better hospital. If higher care for the babies would be needed, they would be sent to this hospital anyway and I'd be left at the local hospital to recover. Not ideal, imo. Plus, I'm more comfortable having my dr's linked to the higher rated hospital anyway.

Yes, it's a drive, but I did it w/ my first delivery w/ no problem and the peace of mind is worth the extra hassle.

Eve

 

QUOTE(becasquared @ Apr 22 2009, 02:51 AM) [snapback]1283440[/snapback]
Yup, I'd call your insurance company and find out what their policy is, what kind of documentation you need and try to get it approved ahead of time as a just in case situation.

I would do this too.


I personally would not feel comfortable delivery at a hospital, even for a full term singleton, without a NICU. I saw many full term 8 lbs babies in the NICU, so you never know when you might need it. Being full term does not necessarily mean they won't need to be in the NICU. And if they need to be in the NICU and the hospital you deliver at does not have one, they will be transported to another hospital that has one. And you definitely don't want that.

 

The hospital that I plan on delivering at will take me as long as I am past 34 weeks because they don't have the NICU. If I still end up going there, b/c that is the only place that my OB delivers at, and my babies need the NICu they will transfer them by ambulance to another hosiptal that can take care of them. It is horrible that that hospital is about 30 minutes away! Just like anything else with twins it is a lot to think and worry about!

 

My local hospital would only let me deliver if I was 36+weeks, this hospital had no NICU. If I were to go into labor before 36 weeks they would have to send me 1.5hrs away to a hospital with NICU. Personally I felt comfortable with the local hospital and my OB and I delievered at exactly 36 weeks and had no issues.
Everyone is different though...definately go where you are most comfortable!